Andrew Grier Brunson of Midland passed away peacefully on Thursday, January 23rd, with his son by his side. He was a force in the oil & gas industry, but more importantly, he was a leader for his family and loved them well. His character was indomitable, and his humor was bar none. He was steadfast in his beliefs and was as tough as he was intelligent.
Grier was born on March 20th, 1945, in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, to Lily Davis Brunson and Lorenzo Grier Smith. Following the death of his father during World War II, Grier was adopted and raised by Glenn Samuel Brunson Jr. and his mother Lily, along with his five brothers and sisters.
After growing up in Idaho Falls, ID, Grier left the bitter cold and moved to Virginia where he attended Emory & Henry College. He later transferred to the University of Tennessee, where he played soccer and baseball until he graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree in Political Science in 1968. After college, Grier honed in on his love for journalism as an intern to the editor at the Washington Post. He simultaneously opened a wood sign company, producing signs that can still be found around Washington D.C. today. In 1982, he moved to Midland where he planted roots and began leaving his mark on the Tall City. Alongside his brother Sam, he opened a fine dining establishment in the Paragon Building called The Last Tycoon, known for serving the best prime rib in the city. Following the oil bust of 1986, Grier began helping manage the family ranches in Glasscock and Loving County. Among his numerous accomplishments, he was proud to have been commissioned by Governor Ann Richards as a member of the Interstate Oil Compact Commission in 1991. There, he worked to negotiate an amendment to the Natural Resources Act in the White House which favored royalty owners. Grier took that knowledge and served as chairman of NARO from 1991-1994, working on behalf of the nation’s 2.5 million royalty owners across 50 states.
Being an avid outdoorsman, some of Grier’s favorite memories were of hunting throughout Africa and visiting Victoria Falls. Sparked by meeting Secretariat at its Triple Crown win in 1973, Grier’s longtime wish to own a pony finally came true when he ventured into the world of horse racing. He enthusiastically cheered on San Saba and Cincazul during this past year and had high hopes for their future success.
Grier’s proudest accomplishment, however, was the birth of his son, Evan, in 1993. He continued to build a legacy for his family as one of the managing partners of the Brunson Ranches, from 1995 until today. He was never happier than when he was working alongside Evan. He spent his last 10 years teaching his son, learning how to be a “girl dad” to Taylor, and ultimately loving on his first grandson, Bowen- singing him songs of the south and always making him laugh.
Grier is survived by his son Evan, daughter-in-law Taylor, and grandson Bowen Brunson; his brothers Sam Brunson of Seattle, and Tim (Lezlee) Brunson of Pukalani; his three sisters Ellen (Bob) Brunson-Newton of Orcas, Christie Brunson of Eugene, and Candace Brunson of Tyler; as well as 12 nieces and nephews that will miss him dearly.
Grier is preceded in death by his parents Glenn and Lily Brunson, and Lorenzo Smith; and his two nephews Grier and Forrest Wagner.
Visitation will be from 5:00pm-7:00pm on Wednesday, January 29, 2025 at Nalley-Pickle & Welch Funeral Home. Services will be at 1:00pm on Thursday, January 30, 2025 at First Presbyterian Church of Midland. Burial will follow at Fairview Cemetery.
Arrangements are under the direction of Nalley-Pickle & Welch Funeral Home & Crematory of Midland. Online condolences may be made at www.npwelch.com.
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